Blue Box episode 11: Things are still awkward with Chinatsu for Taiki as he attends the fireworks festival with Hina

In Blue Box episode 11, titled Uncool, Taiki struggles with lingering awkwardness around Chinatsu while preparing to attend the fireworks festival with Hina. The episode explores Taiki’s mixed emotions as he reflects on his bond with Chinatsu and his growing connection with Hina.

A flashback to a shared memory from junior high highlights the depth of their friendship, making Hina’s festival invitation a meaningful moment. As Taiki tries to move past his doubts and awkward feelings, the episode blends themes of friendship, personal growth, and summer nostalgia. This sets the stage for an evening that could shift relationships unexpectedly.

Blue Box episode 11: Hina asks out Taiki for the upcoming fireworks festival

Chinatsu as shown in the latest episode (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Early in the morning, Taiki runs into Chinatsu, and their interaction feels normal despite an awkward moment between them earlier. After his badminton practice, Taiki plans to join his classmates at the library to complete their summer homework. As practice ends, he reflects on the encounter, hoping to move past the awkwardness. At the library, Taiki learns that his friend Ito has a crush on Hina.

Later, while grabbing a drink from the vending machine in the cafeteria, Taiki notices an exhausted Hina and strikes up a conversation. Nearby, students chat about the upcoming fireworks festival, prompting both Taiki and Hina to recall how they became friends during a similar event in junior high.

A young Taiki and Hina in the episode (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Back then, Hina was excited to attend the festival for candy apples but was delayed by practice. When she arrived, the candy apples were sold out. To her surprise, Taiki had saved one for her, having noticed her excitement in class earlier. The memory brings a smile to both of them in the present. As Taiki prepares to leave, a flustered Hina invites him to the fireworks festival, and he accepts.

At home, Taiki overhears his mother discussing Chinatsu’s upcoming national tournament. She also asks Chinatsu about wearing a yukata to the festival, but Chinatsu plans to go with her friends straight from practice. When Taiki’s mother turns to him, he mentions going with friends, though he realizes the only person confirmed is Hina.

Blue Box episode 11: Haryu and Taiki join Hyodo at the university badminton practice

Kyo as shown in the Blue Box anime (Image via TMS Entertainment)

At the next badminton practice, Haryu invites Taiki to a university training session, and he agrees enthusiastically. Later, he meets Hina and asks who else she invited to the festival. After a pause, Hina admits she forgot to invite anyone but suggests Taiki invite Kyo while she asks others.

Taiki notices her hesitation but brushes it off. However, Hina struggles to find others to join as everyone already has plans. Meanwhile, Chinatsu is invited by Nagisa to the festival, who jokingly suggests inviting boys for protection. Chinatsu prefers it to be a girls-only group, reasoning it’s better for now.

Haryu invites Taiki to the practice (Image via TMS Entertainment)

When Taiki and Hina meet again, Hina explains no one else is joining as they already have plans. She then asks if Taiki wishes to go with Chinatsu instead. Taiki dismisses the idea, citing the awkwardness between them and how it would attract attention at the festival.

He shares his doubts about whether Chinatsu feels as close to him as he does to her. Hina, frustrated by Taiki’s self-pity, calls his avoidance of Chinatsu "uncool" and leaves him to reflect on her words.

Blue Box episode 11: With a piece of advice from Hyodo, Taiki joins Hina at the fireworks festival

Hyodo and Taiki as shown in the Blue Box anime (Image via TMS Entertainment)

During the university practice session, Taiki trains hard alongside Haryu and is introduced to Hyodo, who critiques Taiki’s techniques and offers advice. Hyodo praises Haryu and Yusa as likely contenders for next year’s nationals, to which Taiki humbly agrees but expresses determination to improve. Hyodo, though skeptical of Taiki’s chances, admires his fighting spirit.

After practice, Taiki receives a message from Kyo, who claims he’s too sick to attend the fireworks festival, a lie to ensure Taiki and Hina spend the evening together.

Hina reassures Taiki she’s still attending, and they confirm their plans. On the day of the festival, Taiki arrives early and buys two candy apples, reminiscing about their shared memory. As he waits, he hears Hina call his name. Turning around, he is stunned to see her in a beautiful yukata, leaving him speechless.

Final thoughts

Hina Chono as shown in the Blue Box anime (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Blue Box episode 11 captures Taiki navigating his complicated feelings for Chinatsu while deepening his bond with Hina during the fireworks festival. Despite lingering awkwardness with Chinatsu, Taiki’s moments with Hina, from their shared memories to her stunning appearance in a yukata, highlight a growing connection that could shift his perspective in the upcoming episode on December 19, 2024.